Replica gun triggers several-hour standoff at Oroville motel

Copious amounts of controlled substances were seized along with currency, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, stolen property and a simulated assault rifle after a standoff at the Oroville Villa Court Inn on Tuesday.
(Contributed Photo)

OROVILLE — An attempt to serve a warrant Tuesday at a motel on Feather River Boulevard turned into a standoff when officers spotted an apparent assault weapon.

It ended several hours later with the arrest of two Oroville men.

About 6:15 p.m., Butte County Interagency Narcotics Task Force attempted to serve a felony arrest warrant on Brandon Roy Dixon at the Villa Court Inn, according to the Oroville Police Department.

When BINTF agents approached the hotel room, two men were spotted inside, with one holding an assault rifle, according to the press release.

Outlying agencies including State Parks, California Highway Patrol and the Butte County Sheriff's Office assisted by closing down roads in the immediate area, establishing a perimeter and evacuating hotel guests.

Based on the seriousness of the incident Oroville police requested the assistance of the Butte County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team while detectives authored a warrant to force entry into the hotel room.

Oroville police Lt. Al Byers said law enforcement had a plan in case gunfire broke out. "They were just trying to be cautious and make sure they had a good plan in place before making entry," Byers said.

Around 9:30 p.m., Brandon Dixon, 35, and Christopher Louis Dixon, 29, were taken into custody without incident.

The gun turned out to be a replica.

Copious amounts of controlled substances were seized along with currency, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, stolen property and the simulated assault rifle.

Upon further investigation, law enforcement learned Dixon had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants through the Chico Police Department.

Both Dixons were booked into the Butte County Jail for outstanding warrants along with additional criminal charges.

Staff writer Mary Weston can be reached at 533-4415 or mweston@orovillemr.com.